State shows support for new V8 deal

THE sun has set on another successful weekend of motor sport at Symmons Plains.

The V8 Supercars are an amazing corporate machine that draws fans from all walks of life.

The total crowd figure for the three-day event was 52,766 - more than last year but down on the record figure of 62,000.

This could be due to many factors including the state of the Tasmanian economy and the cost factor of attending.

There is also the Holden-Ford factor with other brands like Mercedes Benz, Nissan and Volvo complicating the classic Aussie brand battle.

New Premier Will Hodgman attended the event and has already begun informal negotiations for another three-year contract.

It also seems certain that at some stage this season Hawthorn will be seeking to extend its contract beyond 2015.

The Australian touring cars have been going to Symmons Plains for 42 of the past 45 years so it would be a brave politician not to see the financial and social benefits.

There are some safety aspects of the circuit that need attention and an extension of the home straight beyond the hairpin has also been suggested to allow for more overtaking options

During the past 10 days Northern Tasmania has been part of the national sports broadcast focus - round one of the AFL with Hawthorn playing Brisbane at Aurora Stadium and now the V8s at Symmons Plains.

The drivers enjoy the trip to Tassie and per capita this is the best attended stand alone V8 Supercar round in the country.

In the words of V8 boss James Warburton: "It's our full intention to continue racing in Tasmania although it is very much dependent on government support.

"We will be asking the government for a three-year commitment beyond this final year," he said on Sunday.

A previous Labor government hesitated too long and lost this event for three years.